The Lao ICT Expo 2016 kicked off yesterday featuring an exhibition of new applications, devices, telecom operators, e-commerce businesses and finance technology.
The expo is hosted by the Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications and will take place from December 14-18 at the National Convention Centre in Vientiane.
Present at the opening were Deputy Prime Minister, Dr Bounthong Chitmany, Minister of Post and Telecommunications, Dr Thansamay Kommasith, ministers and provincial deputy governors.
The ministry has the role to manage ICT in Laos and in the past it has concentrated on developing modern technical structures such as the National Internet Centre, Cyber Safe Protection Centre, Lao Computer Emergency Response Centre, National Transmission Line, and Lao Satellite.
Herewith, the ministry has also improved and developed legislation to manage and improve ICT such as the law on telecommunications, law on posts, law on prevention and combating cyber crime and law on information technology.
However the ministry has faced challenges such as knowledge and capacity on the use of ICT devices in a beneficial way, as it recognises IT as a double-edged sword.
The IT sector will play a major role in society and socio-economic development. The government aims to develop all working sectors of ICT in a bid to create an advanced government administration and step forward to the digital and modern economic era.
According to organisers, the objective of the event is to showcase innovative and sustainable ICT developments and applications in Laos, including the use of information and communications technology in business to help boost the Lao economy.
It also aims to raise awareness about emerging technologies and bring the ICT sector closer to the general public.
The expo will feature exhibitions of new applications, devices, telecom operators, e-commerce businesses and finance technology.
In addition, the event will provide information to entrepreneurs, agencies and private enterprises on the use of ICT to increase efficiency, promote entrepreneurship, and streamline services.
Seminars on various topics related to ICT will be held, in which participants and experts will share their experience and knowledge related to ICT development and policies in Laos and abroad.
There will also be a focus on promoting e-commerce businesses by showcasing suppliers of agricultural products, cosmetics, medical devices and other consumer items.
Of particular interest to regular consumers at the expo are the special promotions on offer for ICT devices and accessories, with discounts ranging from 20-80 percent, including deals from telecom operators on mobile plans.
A demonstration of the new smartphone and a special exhibit on how ICT is integrated into the Lao government, called “Smart Lao Government”, will also take place.
Other activities are also planned, with musicians from Laos and abroad scheduled to perform.
There will be a mobile application and website building competition, ICT start-up business plan competition, “ICT Super Vote Model 2016” competition, and an ICT beauty competition.
Source: Vientiane Times
